Suction conveying or feeding apparatus



Feb. 24, 1942.

J. M. cooK SUCTION CONVEYING OR FEEDING APPARATUS V Fild Nov. 4, 1940 5 Shets-Sheet 1 00006990000000O GQQ G G G G O Feb. 24, 1942. M O K 2,274,590

SUCTION CONVEYING OR FEEDING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 4, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Y q b m \D u Feb. 24, 1942. .J. M. cooK SUCTION CONVEYING OR FEEDING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 4, 1940 5 Sheiets-Sheet 3 mmk rlml J'MUWk 1942- J. M. COOK 90 SUCTION CONVEYING OR FEEDING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 4, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 ';Z .."75 76 I 5 m? I I! U I 75 IIIIIIII'I-ip.

o l i I I I I I 4 I I ll/IIIIIIIIIII l 63 7 2/5 CZMCOUA Feb. 24, 1942. J. M. COOK SUCTIQN CONVEYING OR FEEDING APPARATUS Filed Nov 4, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 oO0OoOAwOoQo oOo Patented Feb. 24, 1942 SUCTION CONVEYING OK FEEDING APPARATUS John Mason Cook, Arlington, Va. Application November 4, 1940, Serial No. 364,312

. v 28 Claims. This invention relates to improvements in feeding mechanisms for duplicating machines, presses and the like.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved feeding means for a duplicating machine, a press or other similar apparatus which operates through a'vacuum for feeding the paper through the machine and releases the paper after the proper imprii-t has been made thereupon.

.Another object of this invention is to provide a feeding mechanism of this kind in the form of an endless feeding mechanism which at one point is subjected to a suction force so as to initially lift a single sheet of paper from a feeding table, release the sheet to an endless carrier, the carrier being also subjected to a suction force to thereby hold the paper in a position for en gagement with the impression means and finally cutoff the suctionforce so that the paperwill be automatically released from the endless carrier by atmospheric pressure acting on the sheet.

.A further object of this invention is to provide in a feeding mechanism of this kind, a pair of chain devices which have their links so formed that thelinks may be subjected to a vacuum so as to hold a sheet of paper tightly against the links in order that the paper may be moved with the links through the machine.

A still "further object of this invention is to provide in a device of this kind an improved means for preventing the lifting of more than one sheet of paper. l

A further object of this invention is to'sprovide a feeding mechanism of this kind which may be used as an attachment for a duplicating or mimeographing machine which is so constructed as to provide a continuous movement of the material through the machine. A further object of this invention is to provide a feed mechanism of this kind which is so constructed that it may be used with various'types ofimpression rollers, the device being of such construction that the impression roller may be positioned to engage the paper either from above or below as the paper is being moved through the machine. v g y Y A further object of this invention is to provide means for periodically cutting off the vacuum to the feeding mechanism.

A further object of this invention isto provide a vacuum feeding mechanism of this kind which is so constructed that it may be readily adjusted to accommodate different widths of paper.

in a vacuum feeding'me'chanism of this kind,

30 claimed. I l

A further object of this invention is to provide an endlesscarrier in the form of a chain which is formed with suction openings and a stationary shoe which is'adapted to confront the chain at one side thereof so as to hold the paper against the chain in" order that the paper may move withthe chain. 7 I

A still further object of this invention is to provide in a device of this kind, an improvedmeans for holding the'suction shoe or manifold in contact with one side of the chain so that the suction shoe may be maintained in operative engagement with the chain duringthe movement of the chain.

A further object of this invention is to provide in a device of this kind, an improved suction operated sheet lifting device for lifting a sheet ofpaper from a supply stack and, delivering the sheet to the suction carrier.

To the foregoing objects and to others which may hereinafter appear, the invention consists of the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts as will be more specifically referred to and illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein are shown embodiments of the invention, but it is to be understood that changes,

variations and modifications maybe resorted to which fall within the scope of the invention as In the drawings: Figure l is a-fragmentary side elevation of a duplicating machine having a conveying means constructed according to an embodiment of this invention.

Figure 1A is a continuation of one end of Figure 1.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary top plan of the device.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line3.-3 of Figure 1A.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 2. l V

I Figure 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a front elevation of the sheet lifting cam.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 5.

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of Figure 2.

Figure 10 is a plan vlew of the suction controlling valve. g

I as theadjustment of the two wheels 22. frame bars 25 and 26 are secured to a pair of vertically'disposed frame members 29-and 30, which are carried by a frame structure generally Figure 11 is a sectional view taken on the line I of Figure 9with the valve removed.

Figure 12isa sectional view taken on the line Figure 14 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line |4-|4 of-Figure 2.

Figure 15- is a fragmentary vertical section through the air nozzle associated with the sheet lifting means.

- Figure 16 is a longitudinal section taken through one of the lifting members.

Figure 17 is a fragmentary side elevation of a modified form of this invention.

Figure 18 is a continuation of one end of Figure 17.

Figure 19 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line |9-|9 of Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings, and'first to Figures 1- to l6 and Figure 19, the numerals 20 and 2| designate generally a pair of endless chains con,-

structed according to an embodiment of this invention which are trained over pairs of grooved wheels 22 and 23.- The wheels 22 are fixed to a shaft 24 which is journalled in a pair of horizontally disposed frame bars or members 25 and ting relation to an adjacent link so that the connected links 34 will be held in a straight line. The under faces 39.of the heads 38 are disposed in horizontal alignmentand each link member 34 includes a suctionpassage. 4| opening downwardly through the flat face 39 of the head 36 and a laterally extending passage 42 communicatesat its inner end with the vertical passage 4| and opens throughthe link body 34. a

Each link member 34 is formed infits inner face 44 with a horizontally disposed channel 45 which in the present instance is of V-shape configuration in transverse section, and a chain supporting bar 46 which is formed with a V-shaped outer edge 41 which engages in the channel 45. The bar 46 not only 'constitutes a 26. Preferably, the wheels 22 are secured to the 1" operated by a suitable driving mechanism (not shown) and the two wheels'23 may be adjusted toward or from, each other in the same manner The designated as 3|.

A vertically shiftable table 32 is carried by the I frame structure 3| and this table 32 may be vertically shifted by a well known mechanismwhich will periodically shift the table 32 vertically, such a mechanism being of the type similar to that shown in Patent No. 1,924,908 which issued August 29, 1933. I

A plurality of sheets 33 are adapted to be positioned on the table 32', and upon upward movement of the table 32, thesheets 33 'are adapted to be moved toward the lower runs of the suction chains or conveying means 20 and 2|. These chains 20 and ZI-arespaced apart a distance such that when. the upbermostsheet 33 is in contactingv relation with the undersides of the lower runs of the chains 20 and 2|, these chains will engage the sheet closely adjacent each side-edge.

The chains 20 and 2| are of like construction,

being shown in greater detail in Figure 13. The chain 28 is here shown as comprising a plurality of 'pivotally connected links which are provided with a concave recess 35 at one end and a conhave th right angularly disposed opposite ends thereof positioned in contacting or abutchain supporting bar, but'also constitutes apressure bar by means of which the outer face 43 of each link 34 is held. in contacting relation with v on its innerside and ,is provided with spaced apart partitions 48 48 and 48 to thereby form independent suction chambers with which the suction conduits are adapted to communicate. municate with the openings 42 of each chain link.

The bars are secured transversely between the frame members 25 and 26 and it will be understood that there may be as many of these frame bars 50 and supporting members 49 as may be considered necessary. The supporting members49 as shown in Figure 14 are provided adjacent their upper ends with a slot 5| which slidably receives a supporting member 50 and preferably the slot 5| opens through one side of the supporting member 49 as shown at 52. A set screw 53 is threaded through the upper end of the supporting member 49 and engages against the upper edge of the supporting bar 50 so that the supporting member 49 may be adjustably secured along thelength of the horizontal supporting member 50.

The depending supporting member 49 at its lower end is provided with a downwardly opening slot54 through which a bolt-55 engages. The bolt 55 is secured at its inner end to the manifold 48 and the manifold 48 is vertically adjusted and held in adjusted position by means of a holding nut 56 which is'threaded onto the bolt 55.

The lower run of the chain 20 is slidingly held I in contacting relation with the inner open face of the manifold 48 by'means of a plurality of L-shaped bar supporting members 51. The bar supporting members 51 have a depending leg 58 which is securetLby a fastening means 59 to the bar. 46 and the upper horizontally disposed leg 60 of the supporting member 51 loosely engages through an opening 6| formed in the depending manifold supporting member 49.

The opening 6| is positioned above the slot 54 and a spring 62 is positioned about the hori zontal leg 60 of the supporting member 51 and is tensioned against the supporting member 49 by means of a spring tensioning nut 63'. The

spring 62 provides a means whereby the pressure bar and chain supporting member 46 may be yieldingly held against the lower run of the chain 20 in order that the outer faces of the links outer face 43 of the The chambers ofthe manifold 48 com 5 A isuct'ioni" co :nated ai'sl ::is: Supp rti b in simian head 1'1 i of. ;a jbolt,;18 qwhichvmay; be

en mies, of th -b l 1t 1 '13: The lower 7 H in Figure 11" has formed; therein a suction channels or "ip'a'ssagesfl 8 'c" to the axis 1 of :the housing I0 I and I e arcuate 'passage 18 is-of greater shown in Figure 9.

rotatably-carried by 'the'bolt 14, thebolt 14 beingjside of theyinanifold fl. M I oiling h'ieinber generally desigamemembers'fi. and 2 6,; Thegconemberj fl c9 ,h ay,

secured to? the upper hous ing-memberi:13z andlis zfastened thereonby means The p rh e n opening 11 v v cad-15 andthe opening 11 communiw h t musin nembe Y 'h W I pair of arcu'at'e are concentr preferably th length than the passa e 9. A nipple 80 is-icarber, 12* and com ried "by the lower housmg mem 'municates through 'an'upwar'dly extending pas sage 8| with the arcuatepassage 18. A,,second nipple 82 is carried'by the lower housing menrber 12 and communicates through a passage 83 with the passage 19.

A disc-shaped val mounted within the housing 10, the lower face of the valve member 84 rotatably engaging the inner upper face of the lower housing 12 as The valve member 84 is provided with a head 85 which engages in: a recess 86 formed axially of the valve member 84. Thelvalve member 84 is provided with an arcuate port 81 'therethrough, which is disposed closely 89 is rotatable in a pair of housing parts 9I and 92 carried by the housing members 12 and 13,

respectively, and preferably the worm gear 89 is formed at one end thereof with a reduced part 93 which extends through a wall 94 formed at one end-of the housing parts 9| and 92. A

clutch plate 95 is carried by the reduced part 93 of theworm gear 89 and a clutch-lining or facing 96is secured to the outer face.of "the plate 95. g

The'shaft" 99' isjournalled adjacent one end thereof through a bearing 91, which is carried by theframe member 25, and a knurled'knob or wheel 98 isyfixed to one end of the shaft 90 adjacent 'the bearing 91. "Prefer'ab1y, the shaft 90 is formedwith' a reduced stubshaft or extension 99 which is rotatablydisposed through the reduced part 93 "and extends outwardly beyond ethe clutchelement95; A tapered clutch element I00 is formed between the shaft90 and the re'- du'ced stub shaft 99 and in one position the clutch element I00 is adapted to engage a complementary clutchelement' ml, which is formed with the worm gear 89. The clutchelement I00 is of frusto-conical configuration and the clutch element IN is formed with a complementary 2,274,590 ay' be, has a sliding contactwith the inner secured-ate a" horiz'ontally disposed r 11,; which extends transversely r r ses a s n rer i v for 'ned' as'ta: reduced i provided witn communicating with the ni's'eri'orf of the housing -member and 19-, which v'e member 84 is rotatably frusto-conical inner face so that when the shaft 90 is pushed. inwardly; the clutch element I00 will engagethe clutch element I0l and permit manual turning of the worm'g'ear; 89 in order erly timed with the other mechanism. FA sleeve shaft I02 is loosely :disposed: on the' stub sha'ft formed with clutch elementQI04. having a 'A spring I-08fi's positioned about the? sleeve "I 02, 'on' ierid-of thesp'r'ing I06 bearing against {one 1 5gslde of ithe bearing. I08 and'the opposite end of :the spring 106 bearing against the adjacent face of the clutchy eleinent I04 so as to constantly urge :the clutch,elenient I04 in; the y direction of the sleeve; I02 has a discshaped clutch element L101"secured jthereto which isjprovidedf on its "outer'fa'cewithaclutchto'oth we; j

Theplatelflis provided with anaxial open- -iri'g" I09 f'thr'ough'which a reduced'shaft exten- 25. sion= II 0 loosely} engages. The extension -I I0, is 1, smaller'in-diameteri'than the stubshaft99 and --,a shoulder-ml H. is formed adjacent th e inner I sideofthegplateglfl =within. thesleeve IIIZ. In thisv manner, the outer .end of, the stub, shaft 99 is adapted to en'gage 1 the shoulder upon endwise 'movement ofj the shaft 90 and ,the' stub 1shaft99 to the' left as viewedfin Figure 4 so that the"sleeve"I02-with the clutch element'sfI04 'and 101' are adapted to be moved to the left left.

A driv shaft I12 is journalled in a bearing I I3 which iscarried by the frame member 26 and the inner end of the drive shaft II 2.ha s secured element H4 is provided wtih a radial recess II5 within which the key or radial projection I08 is adapted to engage. A' spring IIB isjpositioned bearing against the bearing I I3 and. the other end of the spring H6 engaging against the clutch element II4 so as to constantly urge the clutch element 4 in the direction'of the clutch element I01.

formed with a socket Ill within which the outer end of thestub shaft extension H0 is adapted to engage so that when the shaft 90 is moved endwise to the left, the extension H0 is adapted the clutch element I01. -.The drive -shaft'II2 is provided with splines I18, and a driving gear H9 is splinedonto the shaftv II2 and engages the splines II8. Thegear H9 is adapted to be connected to a suitablesource of power supply (not shown) so that the 'drive shaft II! can be operated at the desired speed. It will also be understood that thegear II9-may be one elementof a'train of gears which is connected with apower device. i

In practice the clutch means I00 and I0'I are adapted to be engaged after the clutch elements I01--I I4 and 95 -,I04 have been successively disengaged, so that; the worm gear '89 may be rotated to the desired degreein order to advance the f valve member 84, 'lnitially the endwise movement ofthe shaft 90 to the left will disengage the two clutch elements I01 and H4 and that the operation of'the table a: may be prop- 99andisjournal1ed through a. bearing I03'which,

One end of; the sleeve 102 is iclutch' facellli confronting "the clutch'face 96,.

the clutch Lelernent 95.. -Thev.-opposite end of upon'endwise movement' of the shaft tothe thereto a; clutch element, 4 which is comple-' mentary to the clutch element I0I., The 'elutch' about the shaft II2, one end of the spring IIB The-clutch member II4 on its inner face is topush the clutch element H4 and the drive shaft II! to the left and out of engagement with longitudinal continued movement of the shaft 90 to the left will bring the outer end of the stub shaft 99 into engagement with the shoulder III of the clutch element I01 so that the sleeve I02 will also be pushed to the left and thus effect disengagement of the two clutch elements 95 and I04. v time, the two clutch elements I01 and H4 are also held in disengagement relative to each other, and further movement of the shaft 90 to the left will bring the clutch element I in engagement with the clutch element IOI, so that the worm gear 89 may be rotated independently of the rotation of the drive shaft H2.

The suction head has connected therewith a suction supply pipe I which is adapted to be connected to a suction fan or the like and the nipple or coupling member 80 has connected therewith a longitudinally extending suction pipe or hose I2I. A plurality of laterally extending branches I22, I 23 and I24 are connected with the suction member- I2I branches I22, I23 and I24 arev connected with nipples I22 I23 and I 24", respectively, carried by the two suction manifolds 48. A valve member I25 is mounted in the suction member I2I adjacent one end thereof, and a valve member I26 i interposed in the branches I23. In this manner, the forwardbranches I 22 may be cut off from the suction line I2I and in like manner, the next succeeding branch I23 may also be cut off from the suction line I2I. of the branches I22 and I23 will cut off suction to different sections of the manifolds 48 so that the suction manifolds may be adjusted as to their effectiveness inproportion to the lengths of the sheets of paper which are being moved through the machine. Preferably that portion 48 of the manifold 48 which extends forwardly from the partition 48 is provided with continuous suction from a suction line I29 connected to the suction source. The branches I22, I23 and I24 are preferably formed of flexible material so that the manifolds 48 may be adjusted toward or away from each other depending on the positions of the two chains 20 and2l which are adapted to be adjusted with the different widths of paper.

The paper sheets 33 are adapted to be lifted one at a time from the top of the pile on the table 32 by means of a pair of sheet lifting manifolds I21 and I28 which are disposed between the two pressure and guide has 46. The suction manifolds I21 and I28 have flexible conduits I30 and I3I connected therewith.

The lifting manifold I21, which is shown in more detail in Figure 16, comprises an elongated body 64 which is formed with a plurality of longitudinally extending passages 65. The passages 65 are separated by means of partitions 66 and a nipple 61 is secured to the top wall of the manifold I21 and communicates with a passage 65. There are as many nipples 61 as there are passages 65 so that the suction as will be hereinafter described may be cut off from selected pas- "sages 65. The lower wall 68 in the manifold 64 is formed with a plurality of openings 69 which communicate with the longitudinal passage 65 and the passages 69 open through the lower face of the manifold I21 and confront the table 32.

A valve I32 is interposed in the conduit or pipe I30 and a valve I33 is interposed in the pipe or conduit I3I. The conduits I30 and I3I are connected to the suction member 02, so that when the valve port 81 is in registry with the port 19,

air will be drawn upwardly through the two suc- At this and the.

The cutting off tion manifolds I21 and I28, and the topmost sheet of paper 33 on the pile carried by the vertically movable table 32will be lifted from the table. The two manifolds I21 and I28 are connected together by means of a pair of crossed links I34 and I35. The links m and I35 at their intersecting points are pivotally secured together by means of a bolt I36. The manifold I21 on its inner side has secured thereto a pair of inwardly projecting ears I31 and I38, and the manifold I28 has secured to the inner side thereof a pair of inwardly projecting ears I39 and I40.

The link I34 is provided at each end thereof with a pair of elongated slots MI and I42 through which fastening members I43 and I44, respectively, engage. The fastening member. I43 is threaded into the ear I31 and the fastening member I44 is threaded into the ear I 40. The link I35 has a pair of slots I45 and I46 adjacent the opposite ends thereof through which fasten.

ing members I41 and I48, respectively, engage. The fastening member I41 is threaded into the ear I39 and the fastening member I48 is threaded into the ear I38.

A U-shaped member generally designated as I49 has a bight I50 thereof secured to the bolt I36 andthe opposite parallel legs I5I extend upwardly on opposite sides of a slide I52. A pivot member I53 extends through the parallel members I5I and the slide I52. The slide I52 is vertically slidable between the guide members I54 which are fixed to the confronting faces of a pair of supporting bars I55. The supporting bars I55 are secured at their opposite ends to the frame bars 25. A U-shaped bearing plate I56 engages about the supporting bars I55 being seof the shaft I59 will .effect vertical reciprocation j of the slide I52. The shaft I59 is adapted to be connected to a suitable source of power supply preferably timed in such a manner that the manifolds I21 and I28 will be held in an elevated position at the time the valve port 81 is out of registry with the port 19.

When the valve port 81 is in registry with the port 19, the slide I52 is adapted to be lowered to an operative position slightly below the lower runs of the two chains 20 and 2 I.

An impression roller I65, is disposed forwardly of the table 32 and beneath the lower runs of the chains 20 and 2I, and a pressure roller I66 is disposed between the two chains 20 and 2| and engages about the impression roller I65 so as to hold a sheet 33 in contact with the impression roller I65. The impression roller I65 as shown in Figure 3 is mounted. on a hollow shaft I61 which is formed with interior splines I68 and one end of the hollow shaft I61,is formed with a tapered bearing member I69.

The impression roller I65 is detachably mounted on the hollow shaft I61, the shaft I61 being provided with a fixed collar I10 adjacent one end thereof and a nut I1I is threaded onto the opposite end of the shaft I61 and holds the impression roller I65 tightly on the shaft I61. The

hollow shaft I61 has mounted therein an impression roller drive shaft I12 which has a gear I13 fixed to oneend thereof. The gear I13 is adapted to be'connected to a gear train or power means whereby the shaft I12 may be operated atthe 1 desired speed.

The shaft I12 has-fixed thereto a collar I14 is vertically movable in a frame structure 3| and the chains-20 have disposed on'the outer against which the adjacent end of the hollow shaft I61 is adapted to engage. A conical pinion I15 is adapted to engage in the tapered bearing part I69 of theshaft' I61 and'the pinion I15 is carried by a horizontally disposed supsides thereof a pair of suction manifolds 48.

The manifolds 48 are connected to a suction housing 18 formed with controlling means similar in every detail tothe structure shown in Figures 9 to 11, inclusive.

v A pair ofsheet' lifting manifolds I21 are disposedbetween the twochains 28 and are conporting-bar I16. The pinion I is adapted to holdthe shaft I61 against the collar I14. bar H6 at one end thereof is swingably or hingedly mounted as at I11- on a depending frame member I18 and the'opposite end of the bar The'-- nected by flexible ducts I38 to-the suction con-' trolling member 10.- The structure shown in Figure 17, which is associated with the two chains is similar in every detail to the structure shown in Figures 1, 2, 9, 1o, 11. 12, 13 and 19. A

I16 engages against a second frame bar I19 and is tightly held thereagainst by a wing nut I88. By mounting the impression roller as shown in Figure 3, this roller may be readily removed for replacement of the impression means carried 1 thereby. The impression roller I65 may have mounted thereon a stencil or may be provided with type similar to the type used in a multigraph machine.

As shown in Figure manifolds 48 terminate inwardly from the adjacent'ends bf the frame bars and .26 and at cut off from the chains 20 and 21 adjacent the wheels 23 so that air may enter the passages 41 and M respectively, in order to release the sheet '33 from the carriers or chains 20 and 2|. The

imprintedtsheet is then .adapted to gravitatingly drop down onto a receiver I8I carried by a supportingbar I82 which is fixed to the frame of the machine;

The receiver I8I is formed on oppositesides thereof with upwardly extending "sheet guide members I83 so that the imprinted sheetswill stack evenly on the receiver I8I; At a point closely adjacent the table 32'and immediately below the lower runs of the two chains'28 and 2|, I have mounted an air nozzle generally des- 'ignated as I84. The nozzle I84 is adapted to be connected bymeans'of a pipe I85 to a source of air pressure so that the air ejected from the nozzle I84 willbe forced in a horizontal line beneath the sheet of paper which is lifted from the stack of paper on the table 32. The nozzle I84 is shown in greater detail in Figure 15 and comprises a substantially L -shaped body I86 having one sidethereof substantially horizontal and the opposite side vertical and this'latter side connected to the pressure pipe I85. 'Iiie horizontal side of the body I86 has mounted'therein 25 1A, the ends of the two i a point'inwardly from the point where the chains "20 and 2I engage with'thewheels 23. In this 3dmanner, the suction of the manifolds will be a second pair of suction chain members 28 'are trained about a pairof grooved wheels 22 and 23 and the upper runs of the'two chains 2Il are positioned slightly below'the horizontal plane 'of the lower runs of thechainsZIl. The rear termini of the chains 20 are disposed rearwardly-fromthe wheels 23,so that/the upperchains 28 will deliver the sheet of paper to the uppermost runs of the chains 20. A pair of suction manifolds 48 similar to the manifolds 48 are disposed in operative relation with the upper runs of the chains 28, being supported by supporting members 49" from horizontally disposed transversely extending supporting bars 58b.

' The'supporting bars 58* are carried by frame bars'25 In the present instance, the impression roller I65 is disposed above the upper runs of the two chain members 20' and the pressure roller I66 is disposed between the upper runs of the chains 20 in a position to tightly hold the sheet of paper positioned on the upper runs of the chains 2t! against the impression roller I. A receiver I8I is disposed forwardly from the twowheels 23 and below the upper runs of the chains 28 so that the imprinted. sheets released from the upper runs of the chains 20 'wil1drop downwardly onto the receiver I8I.

In other respects, the structure shown in Figures 1'1 and 18, is similar inevery detail to the structure shown in Figures 1 to 16, inclusive.

Inthe'use and. operation of this device, the

' sheet-s of paper are positioned on the vertically shiftable table 32 and initially the sheet lifting manifolds I21 and I28 will be lowered slightly below the lower runs of the chains 28 and 2I and then raised so as to deliver the top-most sheet of paper to the lowerruns of the chains 20 and 2t. The manifolds I21 and I28 are made effective by rotation of the valve member 84' and registry of the port 81 with the port 19. When the manifolds I21 and I28 are raised by upward movement of the slide I52, the port81- will be rotated so as to communicate the suction of this port with the conveyor port 18. At this time a pair of L-shaped bailie members I81. and I88,

I which have one side thereof vertical and extend ing partly into the vertical leg of 'th'e L shaped body I86. The baffle members I81 and I88 are in'g discharged from the nozzle I84. Thenozzle I84 is-provided in order to prevent the'lifting .of

more than one sheet of paper from the table 32 bymea'ns of the lifting manifolds I21 and I28.

In Figures 1'7 and 18, there is disposed a slightly modified form of suction conveyingmeans which includes a pair of endless sheet conveying chains 28 similar in every detail to the chains grooved wheels. 22 and 23. "The wheels 22 and 23 are fixed to shafts 24 and 28 which are journalledin fraine members 25. A table 32 the suction will be communicated to the chain manifolds 48 which are positioned outwardly of thelifting manifolds I21 and I28. The suction of the manifolds 48 will be communicated provided in order to split the stream of air bein and 2|, and the chains 2!: are trained about I 3 through the ports 42 and M, respectively, to the chain links 34 so as to tightly hold the marginal edges of the paper sheet against the under faces 38 of the links 34. The chains 28 and 2! are continuously movable so that as soonas the paper sheet comes into engagement with the lower runs of the chains 20 and 2|, the sheet "willbe carried along with these chains and at that time the suction of the manifolds I21 and I28 is cut off by means of 'the rvalve member 84; and the air ejecting nozzle lflimay'la'e made .eifective so as toforce a.drai.izlfi iairj;beneatiri the; lifted sheet or if desiredthediaft of air carrier chains.

may be continuous. In this manner, if more than one sheet of paper has been lifted by the manifolds I27 and I28, these extra sheets of paper will be released by the airejected from the nozzle I84. The paper sheet which is held by the chains andv 2| will be carried along until the sheet comes into engagement with the impression roller I65 and the pressure roller I66.

The suction manifolds 48 extend beyond the impression roller I65 and the pressure roller I66 sure roller I66 50 that this apparatus may be used to print both sides of a sheet of paper at one time, or if desired a second impression roller and associated pressure roller may be used in a position inverted or reversed from the first rollers. This latter arrangement will merely require a lengthening of the suction manifolds and of the What I claim is:

1. A flexible sheet moving means comprising an endless. movable carrier having a plurality of openings, a stationary suction means disposed in a position to provide a constant suction through certain of said openings to thereby hold a sheet against said carrier and means intermittently cutting off suction tocertain others of said openings.

2. A flexible sheet moving means comprising a horizontally movable endless carrier having a plurality of openings, a stationary suction means disposed in a position to provide a constant suction through certain of said openings whereby to hold a sheet. against said carrier and means intermittently cutting off suction to certain others of said openings.

3 A flexible sheet moving means comprising a horizontally movable endless carrier having a plurality of openings, a stationary suction means disposed in a position to provide a suction through certain of said openings whereby to hold a sheet against said carrier, a vertically movable sheet delivery means for delivering a sheet to said carrier and means alternately cutting off suction from said stationary suction means and said sheet delivery means.

4. A duplicating machine of that type, including an impression member and a pressure member for holding a sheet in contact with said im: pression member; and a pair of endless carriers positioned at opposite ends'of said members for moving a sheet betweensaid members.

5; A duplicating machine of that type including an impression member and a pressure member for holding a sheet in contact with said impression member; an endless carrier means having a portion thereof positioned at opposite ends of said members for moving a sheet between said members, and'stationary means operatively connected with said carrier for holding asheet in contact with said members.

6. A duplicating machine of that type includ- .,ing an impression memberand a pressure member for holding a sheet in contact with said impression member; an .endless carrier means having a portion thereof positioned at opposite ends of said members for moving a sheet between said members, stationary means operatively connected with said carrier for holding a sheet in contact with said members, and means for delivering a sheet to said carrier.

7. A flexible sheet moving means comprising'a pair of spaced apart endless chains constituting a carrier means, each link of said chain. having an opening communicating through two faces thereof, a pair of stationary suction manifolds each disposed adjacent one run of said chains and communicating with said openings at one end thereof, and means connecting said manifolds to a source of suction supply.

8. A flexible sheet moving means comprising a pair of spaced apart endless chains constituting a carrier means, each link of said chain having an'opening communicating through two faces thereof, a pair of stationary suction manifolds 7 each disposed adjacent one run of said chains and communicating with said openings at one end thereof, means connecting said manifolds to a source of suction supply, and a suction manifold means movable at right angles to said one run of said chains for delivering a sheet thereto.

9. A flexible sheet moving means comprising a pair of spaced apart endless chains constituting a carrier means, each link of said chain having an opening communicating through two faces thereof, a pair of stationary suction manifolds each disposed adjacent one run of said chains and communicating with said openings at one end thereof, means connecting said manifolds to a source of suction supply, and a suction manifold means movable at right angles to said one runof said chains for delivering a sheet thereto.

10. A flexible sheet moving means comprising a pair of spaced apartendless chains having the opposite runs thereof horizontally disposed, each link of said chain having an L-shaped opening communicating at one end through the horizontal face thereof and communicating at the opposite end thereof through a vertical face, a stationary suction manifold for each chain disposed in confronting relation to said vertical face, and means yieldably holding said manifold in con- I tacting relation to said vertical face.

11. A flexible sheet moving means comprising a pair of spaced apart endless chains having the opposite runs thereof horizontally disposed, each link of said chain having an L-shaped opening communicating at one end through the horizontal face thereof and communicating at the opposite end thereof through a vertical face, a stationary suction manifold for each chain disposed in confronting relation to said vertical. face, means yieldably holding said manifold in contacting relation to said vertical face, and a vertically movable means for delivering a sheet to one run of said chain. Y

12. A flexible sheet moving means for feeding a sheet to a printing couple comprising a horiz ontally movable ca'rrier, stationary manifold means disposed in operative relation with respect to said carrier, a vertically movable sheet delivery means, means connecting said manifold means and said delivery means with a source of suction, and timed means interposed in said connecting means for progressively cutting off and communicating said delivery means and said manifold means with respect to the source of suction.

13. A flexible sheet moving means for feeding a sheet to a printing couple comprising. a horisuction, and timed means interposed in said connecting means for progressively cutting off and communicating said delivery xmeans and said manifold means with respect to the source of suction, said timed means including means for varying the cutting off and communicating off of suction in said delivery means and said inanifold means relative to said carrier.

, 14. In a duplicating machine having an impression member, and a pressure member; horizontally movable suction means for moving a sheet in the direction of said members, a vertically shiftable supply sheet elevator, and a vertically movable sheet delivery means for lifting a sheet from said elevator upon advance of the latter and delivering the same to said suction means.

15. In a. duplicating machine having an impression member, and a pressure member; hori- "zontally movable suction means for moving a sheet in the direction of said members, a vertically shiftablc supply sheet elevator, a vertically movable sheet delivery suction means for lifting a sheet from said elevator upon advance of the latter and delivering the same to said horizontally movable suction means, and means for cutting off the suction from. said delivery means when thezsheet has been delivered to said horizontally movable suction means. 7

16. In a duplicating machinehavinga rotat able cylindrical impression member, and a second rotatable cylindrical member opposing said first member: an endlesscarrier positioned at opposite ends of said members for moving a sheet between said members.

17. An endless conveyor for use with a suction manifold comprising a plurality of pivotally connected links, each link having a suction passage opening through two faces thereof.

l8. An endless conveyor for use with a suction manifold comprising a plurality of pivotally connected links, each link having an L -shaped suction passage opening through adjacent angularly disposed faces thereof.

19. An endless suction conveyor comprising in combination a plurality of pivotally connected links, each link having a suction passage opening through two faces thereof, and a suction manifold disposed in a position for communication with one end of said passage.

20. An endless suction conveyor comprising in combination a, plurality of pivotally connected links, each link having a suction passage opening through two faces thereof, a suction manifold disposed in a position for communication with one end of said passage,.- and tensionable.

means holding said manifold inconta'ct with one 1 face of each link on one run of said conveyor.

21. An endless suction conveyor comprising in combination a plurality of pivotally connected links, each link having a suction passage opening throughtwo faces thereof and also having a longitudinally disposed groove in the face thereof opposite "oneend .of saidwpassage, a suction manifold disposed in confronting position to said one end of said passage, and means engaging in said groove holding said manifold in substantial contact with the face of a link opposite from said groove.

22. An endless suction conveyor comprising a pair of endless chains, each chain including a plurality of pivotally connected links and each link having a suction passage opening through two faces thereof, means supporting said chains for adjustment relative to each other, a suction manifold for each chain disposed in confronting position to one face thereof and one end of eacii passage, and means supporting said manifold relative to one run of said chains.

23. A conveyor link comprising a link body having means at each end thereof for pivotal connection with adjacent links, said body having at least one pair of adjacent faces thereof flat and said body having a passage disposed between the ends thereof and opening through said fiat faces.

2'4. A conveying means for sheet material comprising a pair of simultaneously operable endless conveyor members including ported units for conveying the sheet, suction means having sets section head, a pair of suction manifolds each 7 provided with compartments and each correlated with the ports of the units of a run of each member for holding a sheet in contact with said members, spaced selectively controlled independent valved conduits each leading from said head to a compartment of a manifold, a second pair of suction manifolds for delivering a sheet to said runs and each provided with compartments, and spaced selectively controlled valved conduits each leading from said head to a compartment of a manifold of said second pair of manifolds.

, 26. In combination, an endless sheet moving means, a stationary suction means operatively connected to said sheet moving means for holding a sheet in contact with the latter, suction means for delivering the sheet to be held by said sheet moving means, and said stationary suction means having spaced selectively controlled means for intermittently rendering it ineffective for a portion of the length of the travel of said sheet moving means.

27. An endless suction conveyor comprising in combination, a plurality of pivotally connected links, each link having a suction passage opening through twofaces thereof, a suction manifold disposed for communication with one end of said passage, and a tensionable means for holding said manifold in contact with one of the said faces of each link on one run of the said conveyor, said means having a part extending into another face of each link of such run and providing a combined support and guide for the link.

28. A conveyor means for sheet material comprising a pair of simultaneously operable endless conveyor members including ported units, and a suction manifold for each member engaging one run of a member and having a length less than said one run whereby atmospheric air entering the ports of said units beyond an end of a manifold will release'a sheet from a member.

JO HN MASON COOK. 

